GLASGOW: Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem suffered a shock early exit from the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday, missing out on a chance to defend his title after finishing ninth in the men’s final.
The 29-year-old athlete struggled to find his rhythm in the competition and failed to secure a place among the top eight competitors after the first three rounds, which meant he could not take part in the final three attempts.
Nadeem’s campaign started with a foul on his opening throw. He managed 77.41 metres on his second attempt, but it was not enough to move him into the qualifying positions. His third and final throw measured 75.39 metres, leaving him outside medal contention.
Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage produced the winning performance with an impressive throw of 89.75 metres in the second round.
Read More: Arshad Nadeem reaches Commonwealth Games Javelin final
Although Pathirage fouled his remaining five attempts, his leading throw was enough to secure the gold medal.
India’s Neeraj Chopra claimed the silver medal with a season-best throw of 85.83 metres, while fellow Indian athlete Yash Vir Singh secured bronze after recording 85.41 metres in his final attempt.
Nadeem entered the competition as the defending Commonwealth champion after his record-breaking 90.18-metre throw at the Birmingham 2022 Games earned him the gold medal.
The Olympic champion was aiming to retain his Commonwealth title and add another major achievement to his career. However, his unexpected early elimination ended Pakistan’s hopes of winning the men’s javelin gold medal at this year’s event.
Despite the setback, Nadeem remains one of Pakistan’s most successful athletes, having achieved historic milestones on the international stage.
